Easy Ways to Save Big on Groceries

I have always struggled with finding the best way to save money on groceries. I am married with 3 kids under the age of 10 and used to spend right around $250 per week on our groceries. That amount includes diapers and Rice Milk for my youngest. I have tried numerous methods of menu planning and shopping, but nothing really seemed to work. Then, I finally found an easy-to-use system that has saved us right around $100 per week - that's right, I have trimmed our weekly grocery bill to $150, and that still includes diapers and rice milk!

First of all, I have established meal ideas that work for my family. We are trying to eat healthier, but I have realistically acknowledged what my kids will and will not eat as I plan out my shopping list and menu plan. I keep a few "weekly menu plan charts" in a 3 ring binder that I refer to as I plan my grocery buying excursion.

Another key component is looking through sales circulars that come in the mail each week. I used to throw them away without even looking at them. I had read articles about people who saved tons of money by driving to five different stores each week to get the things that were on sale. But, I thought the time, gas and stress involved into going to multiple stores each week was something I was not willing to do. Recently, I discovered a way to take advantage of the store sales without having to drive around to the various stores. It turns out that Wal-Mart will honor the advertised prices of its competitors. You simply have to select the exact same item (same brand and size) and show them the sales circular from their competitor as you check out, and Wal-Mart will give you the sale price of their competitor. This has been a fabulous help to our shopping budget.

As I mentioned above, I hate the idea of driving around to numeorus stores to get my groceries. However, I have established the routine of going 2 places each week. I start off at Aldi and then finish up at Wal-Mart. The two stores are close by each other where I live, so it's not a big hassle, and it provides me with tons of savings.

Aldi is a fabulous store. Some people hate Aldi, while others love it. I have found that I can save an enormous amount of money by shopping there. I go there first because sometimes there selection of items changes. Here are some examples of the price savings I have found there: Milk is $2.16 per gallon compared to $2.79; eggs are 75 cents per dozen compared to $1.25; Frozen pizza is 99 cents compared to $1.25; Bread is 60 cents per loaf compared to $1.50; Corn chips are 99 cents compared to $1.50; Allergy medicine is $1.99 compared to $5.00; Giant tub of coffee is $4.00 compared to $7.00; box of 100 tea bags is $1.99 compared to $3.00 for 20 tea bags. The savings are really substantial.

Another component of my savings has been visiting http://www.coupons.com and utilizing the coupons they post. The coupons are free, and you simply select the ones you want to print on your home printer. The coupons are often specific for your particular zipcode/area. I have found they have offer lots of PIllsbury coupons, CoffeeMate creamer coupons (these are so good that it's like buying one, getting one free), contact lens solution coupons, General Mills cereal coupons, Yoplait yogurt coupons, and many more.

I have also purchased several issues of the "All You" magazine. Along with its great editorial content for women about fashion, health, beauty and homemaking, it contains lots of fabulous coupons for items that most families use.

One final key to success has been doing my shopping alone. It has helped immensely to leave the kids at home while I shop. This has trimmed at least $10 per week off our grocery expenses, because I don't have 3 voices asking, "Can I have this?" It is much easier to stay focused on my list and avoids throwing extra items in the basket.

So, in a nutshell, I have trimmed $100 off our weekly grocery bill by doing a little menu planning, perusing sales circulars, All You magazine and coupons.com, and by shopping alone at Aldi and Wal-Mart. I hope you enjoy the savings too!